Groundhog Day 2024, and old Punxsutawney Phil has made his prognostication: an early spring for those in need of warmth, sunshine and the healing touch of bright water. The old boy seemed excited amid the cheers of a record crowd, for whom he bolstered hope for a quick end to winter.
I would most assuredly welcome the sun once again, to feel the warm breeze on my cheek, and look for mayflies where the riffles blend into the deeper waters of a run. Often during my thirty Catskill seasons I have encountered sleet, snow and frozen wading boots in April, crunched frost from the riverbank even mornings in May. By this angler’s hopeful calendar, there are 66 days ahead before I walk those banks with a dry fly snugged in the hook keeper. I would love a chance to take that walk in shirtsleeves!
Twenty twenty-three complied with my overwhelming need for sunshine, reaching sixty degrees on the first day of spring. The river managed a peak temperature of only forty-two though. I actually saw three rises the next day, something very briefly interested in the little black caddis or stoneflies?
By the end of my countdown, April 10th, the river had warmed to forty-nine on another sixty-degree day. The three rising trout I found that afternoon were pleased to sample my Quill Gordon, spin the reel and put a long-awaited arch in my old Leonard bamboo.
Imagine the faithful gathered on April first, for it will always be Opening Day here in the Catskills, with mayflies floating on clear water and trout rising! We would all love to see it, and we thank old Phil for leaving us with just a little hope that this year the dream will come true.
Bright Waters Catskill 